A motion brought forward by the Rural Independent Group for "supporting rural Ireland" was voted against last night (Wednesday, May 12) in the Dáil.

Through the Project Ireland 2040 motion, some of the measures the rural group of TDs sought were:

Speaking after last night's Dáil vote in which Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Green Party and a number of regional independent TDs voted against, the leader of the Rural Independent Group, deputy Mattie McGrath said:

"The choice was simple, but the decision by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael rural TDs to vote against this motion is illuminating to every rural resident. Their vote demonstrates a classic example of ongoing double speak."

The Tipperary TD said that this motion "gave the government a choice" and that backs have been turned on rural Ireland.

“In simple terms, this means delayed broadband delivery, a complete lack of accountability on whether funding to regional and rural areas are prioritised and ongoing sub-standard and mismanagement of any infrastructure roll-out to rural areas," the deputy continued.

“In fact, rather than this government supporting rural communities, they block genuine attempts such as this motion’s objectives and instigate destructive policies such as the new [climate] bill.

“Our campaign, on behalf of rural Ireland, will continue. We will take on the vested interests and this government at every turn. Such underhanded behaviour by this government cannot be tolerated in any functioning democracy,” concluded deputy McGrath.